5 Teams That Could Use Reggie Bush If Joe Philbin, Dolphins Aren't Interested

Reggie Bush has gone from legitimate NFL starting running back to part-time player in a matter of weeks. In his last three games—all Miami Dolphins losses—he's totaled 24 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown in addition to five catches for 48 yards.

By comparison, he had 20 or more touches in three individual games this season.

If Miami isn’t going to use him going forward—instead opting for other capable players at the running back position like Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller—someone else certainly will.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons starter Michael Turner averaged four or more yards per carry in just three games this season. He’s still getting double-digit carries weekly, but it seems as though his role will be diminished—or removed—for the Falcons going forward.

Because Jacquizz Rodgers has carried the ball three or fewer times in five games this season, he may not be Atlanta’s starter next year. The Falcons could use Bush in the starter’s role in 2013 while Rodgers gets a handful of touches per game.

Denver Broncos

Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesWillis McGahee will turn 32 next season.

Willis McGahee is 31 years old. He could do his Thomas Jones impression and be effective as a 32-year-old next season, but the Denver Broncos are probably looking for another running back. Former first-rounder Knowshon Moreno has eight carries this season.

He’s probably not it.

Rookie Ronnie Hillman has averaged just under four yards per carry on 37 attempts. Reggie Bush is still putting up 4.2 yards per carry with a rookie quarterback under center. He could do damage next to Peyton Manning—especially considering the fact that he hasn’t forgotten how to catch the football.

Detroit Lions

Leon Halip/Getty ImagesImagine a lightning-and-lightning backfield of Bush and Jahvid Best...Defenses would always be gassed.

The Detroit Lions still seem like they’re searching for a running back to complement their passing game. Mikel Leshoure looked like the guy after his first career game—30 total touches for 134 yards and a touchdown—but he hasn’t topped 18 touches in a game since.

Matthew Stafford also throws the football to Joique Bell on a regular basis. Bush can fill both of those roles, making Detroit’s usually pass-happy offense more unpredictable anytime he’s on the field.

Green Bay Packers

Cedric Benson signed a one-year deal with the Green Bay Packers in the offseason. This season, he’s averaging 3.5 yards per carry and has missed as many games as he’s played. In his relief, Alex Green’s 3.1 yards per carry isn’t very impressive.

Reggie Bush’s role in the Packers’ offensive scheme would be similar to that which he could provide to the Denver Broncos: a legitimate rushing presence and a comfortable safety valve for Aaron Rodgers as a check-down target.

Oakland Raiders

Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesBush may not start in Oakland due to the presence of Darren McFadden, but the Raiders need two good options at RB.

The Oakland Raiders need Darren McFadden insurance. The talented, dynamic playmaker has averaged better than 5.0 yards per carry in two of his five NFL seasons. However, he has missed at least three games every year.

When the Raiders had Michael Bush in 2011 and McFadden missed nine games, their offense was able to—for the most part—continue its business.

Bush had 977 yards and seven touchdowns on 256 carries last season. Reggie Bush could keep some of the wear-and-tear off McFadden and produce in a featured role should Run-DMC get hurt in 2013.